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Is It True That I Can Send Ashes Into Space?
Yes, it is possible to send your ashes into space, although the practice isn’t commonplace at this time. As of this writing, two companies, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights and Elysium Space […]
Yes, it is possible to send your ashes into space, although the practice isn’t commonplace at this time. As of this writing, two companies, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights and Elysium Space will each transport a “symbolic” amount of a person’s cremated ashes (typically less than an ounce) into space. Celestis offers several different “experiences,” including a low-orbit, zero-gravity space journey followed by a return to Earth; a Moon landing; and a journey into deep space. Elysium doesn’t offer a trip to deep space (yet) but will send cremains into orbit or to the Moon.
With that being said, transporting cremation ashes into space isn’t currently something that’s done every day. Because of the technological and monetary challenges of launching a spacecraft, scheduled flights are few and far between. As of November 2021, Celestis has three flights scheduled for 2022, one that features a brief trip into the earth’s atmosphere followed by return to the launch site; one in which the ashes will be placed on the moon, and one (tentatively scheduled for June 2222) into deep space. Prices range from $2,495 for a quick trip to see the stars to $12,500 for a trip out of the earth/moon orbit into deep space.
Elysium has even fewer offerings available at this time. Its website says a moon landing is scheduled for 2021, but the date has yet to be announced. (The quoted cost of the lunar landing flight is $9,950). The company also offers a trip into the Earth’s orbit where a space capsule will circle the Earth with your or a loved one’s ashes for about 2 years before turning into a “shooting star.” It does not appear that this flight is scheduled at this time.
With all that being said, space travel is entering an exciting new era, with private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin making trips into space a possibility for anyone who can afford the price. So don’t be surprised if more and more people are able to launch their ashes into space in the coming years.
Sources
Celestis Memorial Spaceflights. https://www.celestis.com/
Elysium Space. https://elysiumspace.com/
Blue Origin. https://www.blueorigin.com/
SpaceX. https://www.spacex.com/
